Magnetic and optical rotating storage systems with audio monitoring

ABSTRACT

An integrated circuit (IC) for controlling a rotating data storage device comprises a drive module that is implemented by the integrated circuit and that at least one of processes data, stores data and controls operation of the rotating storage device. An audio monitoring module is implemented by the integrated circuit, communicates with the drive module and analyzes audio signals that are based on noise generated by the rotating storage device during operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/591,326, filed on Nov. 2, 2006, which application claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/828,532, filed on Oct. 6, 2006and 60/820,189, filed on Jul. 24, 2006. The disclosures of the aboveapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hard disk drive (HDD) and digitalversatile disc (DVD) systems, and more particularly to audio monitoringof HDD and DVD systems.

BACKGROUND

The Background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description which may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a HDD system 10 is shown to include a HDDprinted circuit board (PCB) 14. A buffer 18 stores read, write and/orvolatile control data that is associated the control of the HDD system10. The buffer 18 usually employs volatile memory having low latency.For example, synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) or othertypes of low latency memory may be used. Nonvolatile memory 19 such asflash memory may also be provided to store critical data such asnonvolatile control code.

A processor 22 arranged on the HDD PCB 14 performs data and/or controlprocessing that is related to the operation of the HDD system 10. A harddisk control module (HDC) 26 communicates with an input/output interface24 and with a spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver or module 30 and/ora read/write channel module 34. The HDC 26 coordinates control of thespindle/VCM driver 30, the read/write channel module 34 and theprocessor 22 and data input/output with a host 35 via the interface 24.

During write operations, the read/write channel module 34 encodes thedata to be written onto a read/write device 59. The read/write channelmodule 34 processes the write signal for reliability and may apply, forexample, error correction coding (ECC), run length limited coding (RLL),and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module 34converts an analog read signal output of the read/write device 59 to adigital read signal. The converted signal is then detected and decodedby known techniques to recover the data that was written on the HDD.

A hard disk drive assembly (HDDA) 50 includes one or more hard driveplatters 52 that include magnetic coatings that store magnetic fields.The platters 52 are rotated by a spindle motor that is schematicallyshown at 54. Generally the spindle motor 54 rotates the hard driveplatter 52 at a controlled speed during the read/write operations. Oneor more read/write arms 58 move relative to the platters 52 to readand/or write data to/from the hard drive platters 52. The spindle/VCMdriver 30 controls the spindle motor 54, which rotates the platter 52.The spindle/VCM driver 30 also generates control signals that positionthe read/write arm 58, for example using a voice coil actuator, astepper motor or any other suitable actuator.

The read/write device 59 is located near a distal end of the read/writearm 58. The read/write device 59 includes a write element such as aninductor that generates a magnetic field. The read/write device 59 alsoincludes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element) thatsenses the magnetic field on the platter 52. The HDDA 50 includes apreamp circuit 60 that amplifies the analog read/write signals. Whenreading data, the preamp circuit 60 amplifies low level signals from theread element and outputs the amplified signal to the read/write channelmodule 34. While writing data, a write current is generated that flowsthrough the write element of the read/write device 59. The write currentis switched to produce a magnetic field having a positive or negativepolarity. The positive or negative polarity is stored by the hard driveplatter 52 and is used to represent data.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a digital versatile disc (DVD) system 110 isshown to include a DVD PCB 114, which includes a buffer 118 that storesread data, write data and/or volatile control code that is associatedthe control of the DVD system 110. The buffer 118 may employ volatilememory such as SDRAM or other types of low latency memory. Nonvolatilememory 119 such as flash memory can also be used for critical data suchas data relating to DVD write formats and/or other nonvolatile controlcode.

A processor 122 arranged on the DVD PCB 114 performs data and/or controlprocessing that is related to the operation of the DVD system 110. Theprocessor 122 also performs decoding of copy protection and/orcompression/decompression as needed. A DVD control module 126communicates with an input/output interface 124 and with a spindle/feedmotor (FM) driver 130 and/or a read/write channel module 134. The DVDcontrol module 126 coordinates control of the spindle/FM driver 130, theread/write channel module 134 and the processor 122 and datainput/output via the interface 124.

During write operations, the read/write channel module 134 encodes thedata to be written by an optical read/write (ORW) or optical read only(OR) device 159 to the DVD platter. The read/write channel module 134processes the signals for reliability and may apply, for example, ECC,RLL, and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module134 converts an analog output of the ORW or OR device 159 to a digitalsignal. The converted signal is then detected and decoded by knowntechniques to recover the data that was written on the DVD.

A DVD assembly (DVDA) 150 includes a DVD platter 152 that stores dataoptically. The platter 152 is rotated by a spindle motor that isschematically shown at 154. The spindle motor 154 rotates the DVDplatter 152 at a controlled and/or variable speed during the read/writeoperations. The ORW or OR device 159 moves relative to the DVD platter152 to read and/or write data to/from the DVD platter 152. The ORW or ORdevice 159 typically includes a laser and an optical sensor.

For DVD read/write and DVD read only systems, the laser is directed attracks on the DVD that contain lands and pits during read operations.The optical sensor senses reflections caused by the lands/pits. For DVDread/write (RW) applications, a laser may also be used to heat a dielayer on the DVD platter during write operations. If the die is heatedto one temperature, the die is transparent and represents one binarydigital value. If the die is heated to another temperature, the die isopaque and represents the other binary digital value.

The spindle/FM driver 130 controls the spindle motor 154, whichcontrollably rotates the DVD platter 152. The spindle/FM driver 130 alsogenerates control signals that position the feed motor 158, for exampleusing a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor or any other suitableactuator. The feed motor 158 typically moves the ORW or OR device 159radially relative to the DVD platter 152. A laser driver 161 generates alaser drive signal based on an output of the read/write channel module134. The DVDA 150 includes a preamp circuit 160 that amplifies analogread signals. When reading data, the preamp circuit 160 amplifies lowlevel signals from the ORW or OR device and outputs the amplified signalto the read/write channel module 134.

The DVD system 110 further includes a codec module 140 that encodesand/or decodes video such as any of the MPEG formats. Audio and/or videodigital signal processors and/or modules 142 and 144, respectively,perform audio and/or video signal processing, respectively.

SUMMARY

A control system for a rotating data storage device, comprises a driveprinted circuit board (PCB). A drive module is arranged on the drive PCBand at least one of processes data, stores data and controls operationof the rotating storage device. An audio monitoring module communicateswith the drive module and analyzes audio signals that are based on noisegenerated by the rotating storage device during operation.

In other features, the drive module comprises one of a magnetic storagecontrol module and an optical storage control module. The drive modulecomprises a read/write channel module. The drive module comprises aprocessor. The drive module comprises one of a spindle/voice coil motordrive module and a spindle/feed motor module. A data storage devicecomprises the control system and further comprises the rotating storagedevice. A microphone generates the audio signals. The rotating storagedevice includes a first component. The audio monitoring moduleselectively adjusts an operating parameter of the first component basedon the audio signals. The first component one of rotates a rotatingstorage medium and reads data from the rotating storage medium. Therotating storage device includes one of a magnetic storage device and anoptical storage device. The audio monitoring module selectivelydiagnoses failures of the first component based on the audio signals.

In other features, the audio monitoring module selectively estimates anage of the first component based on the audio signals. The audiomonitoring module selectively predicts future component failure of thefirst component based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring moduleselectively estimates product quality of the data storage device basedon the audio signals. The audio monitoring module selectively correlatesthe audio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure ofthe first component. An analog to digital converter converts the audiosignals to digital audio signals. The rotating data storage devicecomprises a hard disk drive that includes a hard disk drive assembly(HDDA); and a hard disk drive printed circuit board (HD PCB), whereinthe microphone is arranged on one of the HDDA and the HD PCB. The harddisk drive includes a hard disk drive module; a processor; aspindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver module; and a read/write channelmodule.

In other features, the audio monitoring module is integrated with atleast one of the hard disk drive module, the processor, the spindle/VCMdriver module, and the read/write channel module in a system on chip.The rotating data storage device comprises a digital versatile disc(DVD) that includes a digital versatile disk assembly (DVDA); and adigital versatile disk printed circuit board (DVD PCB), wherein themicrophone is arranged on one of the DVDA and the DVD PCB. The digitalversatile disk includes a digital versatile disk control module; aprocessor; a spindle/feed motor (FM) driver module; and a read/writechannel module. The audio monitoring module is integrated with at leastone of the digital versatile disk control module, the processor, thespindle/FM driver module, and the read/write channel module in a systemon chip. The audio monitoring module performs sub-band analysis on theaudio signals. The first component includes at least one of a spindlemotor and a voice coil motor (VCM). The first component includes atleast one of a spindle motor and a feed motor.

In other features, a flex connector connects components of the HDDA andthe HD PCB, wherein the microphone is arranged on the HDDA. A conductorthat communicates with the audio monitoring module and the microphone isassociated with the flex connector. A flex connector connects componentsof the DVDA and the DVD PCB. The microphone is arranged on the DVDA andwherein a conductor that communicates with the audio monitoring moduleand the microphone is associated with the flex connector. The hard diskdrive includes a power management interface module and wherein the audiomonitoring module is integrated with the power management interfacemodule in a system on chip. The digital versatile disc includes a powermanagement interface module and wherein the audio monitoring module isintegrated with the power management interface module in a system onchip. The drive module is integrated with the audio monitoring module inan integrated circuit.

A method for operating a rotating data storage device, comprisesproviding a drive printed circuit board (PCB); arranging a drive moduleon the drive PCB; at least one of processing data, storing data andcontrolling operation of the rotating storage device using the drivemodule; and analyzing audio signals that are based on noise generated bythe rotating storage device during operation.

In other features, the drive module comprises one of a magnetic storagecontrol module, an optical storage control module, a read/write channelmodule, a processor, a spindle/voice coil motor drive module and aspindle/feed motor module. The method further includes adjustingoperation of a first component of the rotating storage device based onan input operating parameter; and selectively adjusting the inputoperating parameter of the first component based on the audio signals.The rotating storage device includes one of a magnetic storage deviceand an optical storage device. The method further includes electivelydiagnosing failures of the first component based on the audio signals.

In other features, the method includes selectively estimating an age ofthe first component based on the audio signals. The method furtherincludes selectively predicting future component failure of the firstcomponent based on the audio signals. The method further includesselectively estimating product quality of the data storage device basedon the audio signals. The method further includes selectivelycorrelating the audio signals with a stored failure profile to predictfailure of the first component. The method further includes performingsub-band analysis on the audio signals. The first component includes atleast one of a spindle motor and a voice coil motor (VCM). The firstcomponent includes at least one of a spindle motor and a feed motor.

A control system for a rotating data storage device, comprises a driveprinted circuit board (PCB); drive control means, that is arranged onthe drive PCB, for at least one of processing data, storing data andcontrolling operation of the rotating storage device; and audiomonitoring means, that communicates with the drive control means, foranalyzing audio signals that are based on noise generated by therotating storage device during operation.

In other features, the drive control means comprises one of magneticstorage control means for controlling a magnetic storage device andoptical storage control means for controlling an optical storage device.The drive control means comprises a read/write channel means forprocessing read/write data. The drive control means comprises processingmeans for processing data. The drive control means comprises one ofspindle/voice coil motor drive means for driving a spindle/voice coilmotor and spindle/feed motor drive means for driving a spindle/feedmotor. A data storage device comprising the control system and furthercomprising the rotating storage device. Audio means generates the audiosignals. The rotating storage device includes a first component, whereinthe audio monitoring means selectively adjusts an operating parameter ofthe first component based on the audio signals. The first component oneof rotates the rotating storage medium and reads data from the rotatingstorage medium. The rotating storage device includes one of a magneticstorage device and an optical storage device. The audio monitoring meansselectively diagnoses failures of the first component based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring means selectively estimates an age of thefirst component based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring meansselectively predicts future component failure of the first componentbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring means selectivelyestimates product quality of the data storage device based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring means selectively correlates the audiosignals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of the firstcomponent. Analog to digital converting means converts the audio signalsto digital audio signals.

In other features, the rotating data storage device comprises a harddisk drive that includes a hard disk drive assembly (HDDA); and a harddisk drive printed circuit board (HD PCB), wherein the audio means isarranged on one of the HDDA and the HD PCB. The hard disk drive includeshard disk drive control means for controlling; processor means forprocessing; spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver means for driving; andread/write channel means for processing read/write data.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is integrated with atleast one of the hard disk drive control means, the processing means,the spindle/VCM driver means, and the read/write channel means in asystem on chip. The rotating data storage device comprises a digitalversatile disc (DVD) that includes a digital versatile disk assembly(DVDA); and a digital versatile disk printed circuit board (DVD PCB),wherein the audio means is arranged on one of the DVDA and the DVD PCB.The digital versatile disk includes digital versatile disk control meansfor controlling; processing means for processing; spindle/feed motor(FM) driver means for driving; and read/write channel means forprocessing read/write data.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is integrated with atleast one of the digital versatile disk control means, the processingmeans, the spindle/FM driver means, and the read/write channel means ina system on chip. The audio monitoring means performs sub-band analysison the audio signals. The first component includes at least one of aspindle motor and a voice coil motor (VCM). The first component includesat least one of a spindle motor and a feed motor. Flexible connectingmeans connects components of the HDDA and the HD PCB, wherein the audiomeans is arranged on the HDDA and wherein conducting means forcommunicating with the audio monitoring means and the audio means isassociated with the flexible connecting means. Flexible connecting meansconnects components of the DVDA and the DVD PCB, wherein the audio meansis arranged on the DVDA and wherein conducting means for communicatingwith the audio monitoring means and the audio means is associated withthe flexible connecting means. The hard disk drive includes powermanagement interface means for providing a power interface and whereinthe audio monitoring means is integrated with the power managementinterface means in a system on chip. The digital versatile disc includespower management interface means for providing a power interface andwherein the audio monitoring means is integrated with the powermanagement interface means in a system on chip. The drive control meansis integrated with the audio monitoring means in an integrated circuit.

An integrated circuit for controlling a rotating data storage devicecomprises a drive module that is implemented by the integrated circuitand that at least one of processes data, stores data and controlsoperation of the rotating storage device; and an audio monitoring modulethat is implemented by the integrated circuit, that communicates withthe drive module and that analyzes audio signals that are based on noisegenerated by the rotating storage device during operation.

The drive module comprises one of a magnetic storage control module andan optical storage control module. The drive module comprises aread/write channel module. The drive module comprises a processor. Thedrive module comprises one of a spindle/voice coil motor drive moduleand a spindle/feed motor module. A data storage device comprises theintegrated circuit and further comprises the rotating storage device. Amicrophone generates the audio signals. The rotating storage deviceincludes a first component, wherein the audio monitoring moduleselectively adjusts an operating parameter of the first component basedon the audio signals. The first component one of rotates the rotatingstorage medium and reads data from the rotating storage medium. Therotating storage device includes one of a magnetic storage device and anoptical storage device. The audio monitoring module selectivelydiagnoses failures of the first component based on the audio signals.The audio monitoring module selectively estimates an age of the firstcomponent based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring moduleselectively predicts future component failure of the first componentbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring module selectivelyestimates product quality of the data storage device based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring module selectively correlates the audiosignals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of the firstcomponent. An analog to digital converter converts the audio signals todigital audio signals. The rotating data storage device comprises a harddisk drive that includes: a hard disk drive assembly (HDDA); and a harddisk drive printed circuit board (HD PCB), wherein the microphone isarranged on one of the HDDA and the HD PCB. The hard disk drive includesa hard disk drive control module; a processor; a spindle/voice coilmotor (VCM) driver module; and a read/write channel module.

In other features, the audio monitoring module is integrated with atleast one of the hard disk drive control module, the processor, thespindle/VCM driver module, and the read/write channel module in a systemon chip. The rotating data storage device comprises a digital versatiledisc (DVD) that includes a digital versatile disk assembly (DVDA); and adigital versatile disk printed circuit board (DVD PCB), wherein themicrophone is arranged on one of the DVDA and the DVD PCB. The digitalversatile disk includes a digital versatile disk control module; aprocessor; a spindle/feed motor (FM) driver module; and a read/writechannel module. The audio monitoring module is integrated with at leastone of the digital versatile disk control module, the processor, thespindle/FM driver module, and the read/write channel module in a systemon chip. The audio monitoring module performs sub-band analysis on theaudio signals. The first component includes at least one of a spindlemotor and a voice coil motor (VCM). The first component includes atleast one of a spindle motor and a feed motor. A flex connector connectscomponents of the HDDA and the HD PCB, wherein the microphone isarranged on the HDDA and wherein a conductor that communicates with theaudio monitoring module and the microphone is associated with the flexconnector. A flex connector that connects components of the DVDA and theDVD PCB, wherein the microphone is arranged on the DVDA and wherein aconductor that communicates with the audio monitoring module and themicrophone is associated with the flex connector.

In other features, the hard disk drive includes a power managementinterface module and wherein the audio monitoring module is integratedwith the power management interface module in a system on chip. Thedigital versatile disc includes a power management interface module andwherein the audio monitoring module is integrated with the powermanagement interface module in a system on chip. The drive module isintegrated with the audio monitoring module in an integrated circuit.

A method for controlling a rotating data storage device comprisesimplementing a drive module of the rotating storage device using anintegrated circuit; at least one of processing data, storing data andcontrolling operation of the rotating storage device using the drivemodule; and using an audio monitoring module that is implemented by theintegrated circuit and that communicates with the drive module toanalyze audio signals that are based on noise generated by the rotatingstorage device during operation.

In other features, the drive module comprises one of a magnetic storagecontrol module and an optical storage control module. The drive modulecomprises a read/write channel module. The drive module comprises aprocessor. The drive module comprises one of a spindle/voice coil motordrive module and a spindle/feed motor module. The method include using amicrophone to generate the audio signals. The rotating storage deviceincludes a first component and further comprising selective adjusting anoperating parameter of the first component based on the audio signals.The first component one of rotates a rotating storage medium and readsdata from the rotating storage medium. The rotating storage deviceincludes one of a magnetic storage device and an optical storage device.

In other features, the method includes selectively diagnosing failuresof the first component based on the audio signals. The method includesselectively estimating an age of the first component based on the audiosignals. The method includes selectively predicting future componentfailure of the first component based on the audio signals. The methodincludes selectively estimating product quality of the rotating storagedevice based on the audio signals. The method includes selectivelycorrelating the audio signals with a stored failure profile to predictfailure of the first component. The method includes performing sub-bandanalysis on the audio signals.

An integrated circuit for controlling a rotating data storage devicecomprises drive means, that is implemented by the integrated circuit,for at least one of processing data, storing data and controllingoperation of the rotating storage device; and audio monitoring means,that is implemented by the integrated circuit, for communicating withthe drive means and for analyzing audio signals that are based on noisegenerated by the rotating storage device during operation.

In other features, the drive control means comprises one of magneticstorage control means for controlling a magnetic storage device andoptical storage control means for controlling an optical storage device.The drive means comprises a read/write channel means for processingread/write data. The drive control means comprises processing means forprocessing data. The drive control means comprises one of spindle/voicecoil motor drive means for driving a spindle/voice coil motor andspindle/feed motor drive means for driving a spindle/feed motor. A datastorage device comprises the integrated circuit and further comprisesthe rotating storage device. Audio means generates the audio signals.The rotating storage device includes a first component, wherein theaudio monitoring means selectively adjusts an operating parameter of thefirst component based on the audio signals. The first component one ofrotates the rotating storage medium and reads data from the rotatingstorage medium. The rotating storage device includes one of a magneticstorage device and an optical storage device. The audio monitoring meansselectively diagnoses failures of the first component based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring means selectively estimates an age of thefirst component based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring meansselectively predicts future component failure of the first componentbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring means selectivelyestimates product quality of the data storage device based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring means selectively correlates the audiosignals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of the firstcomponent.

In other features, an analog to digital converter converts the audiosignals to digital audio signals. The rotating data storage devicecomprises a hard disk drive that includes a hard disk drive assembly(HDDA); and a hard disk drive printed circuit board (HD PCB), whereinthe microphone is arranged on one of the HDDA and the HD PCB. The harddisk drive includes hard disk drive control means for controlling;processor means for processing; spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) drivermeans for driving; and read/write channel means for processingread/write data.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is integrated with atleast one of the hard disk drive control means, the processing means,the spindle/VCM driver means, and the read/write channel means in asystem on chip. The rotating data storage device comprises a digitalversatile disc (DVD) that includes a digital versatile disk assembly(DVDA); and a digital versatile disk printed circuit board (DVD PCB),wherein the microphone is arranged on one of the DVDA and the DVD PCB.The digital versatile disk includes digital versatile disk control meansfor controlling; processing means for processing; spindle/feed motor(FM) driver means for driving; and read/write channel means forprocessing read/write data.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is integrated with atleast one of the digital versatile disk control means, the processingmeans, the spindle/FM driver means, and the read/write channel means ina system on chip. The audio monitoring means performs sub-band analysison the audio signals. The first component includes at least one of aspindle motor and a voice coil motor (VCM). The first component includesat least one of a spindle motor and a feed motor. Flexible connectingmeans connects components of the HDDA and the HD PCB, wherein the audiomeans is arranged on the HDDA and wherein conducting means forcommunicating with the audio monitoring means and the audio means isassociated with the flexible connecting means. Flexible connecting meansconnects components of the DVDA and the DVD PCB, wherein the audio meansis arranged on the DVDA and wherein conducting means for communicatingwith the audio monitoring means and the audio means is associated withthe flexible connecting means. The hard disk drive includes powermanagement interface means for providing a power interface and whereinthe audio monitoring means is integrated with the power managementinterface means in a system on chip. The digital versatile disc includespower management interface means for providing a power interface andwherein the audio monitoring means is integrated with the powermanagement interface means in a system on chip. The drive control meansis integrated with the audio monitoring means in an integrated circuit.

A computer system comprises a processor that performs data processing; afan that cools the processor; and an audio monitoring module thatanalyzes audio signals that are based on noise generated by the fanduring operation.

In other features, the audio monitoring module is integrated with theprocessor in an integrated circuit. A microphone communicates with theaudio monitoring module and that generates the audio signals. A heatsink thermal communicates with the processor and the fan. The audiomonitoring module selectively adjusts an operating parameter of the fanbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring module selectivelydiagnoses failures of the fan based on the audio signals. The audiomonitoring module selectively estimates an age of the fan based on theaudio signals. The audio monitoring module selectively predicts futurefailure of the fan based on the audio signals. The audio monitoringmodule selectively estimates product quality of the fan based on theaudio signals. The audio monitoring module selectively correlates theaudio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of thefan. A motherboard arranged on the chassis, wherein the fan is arrangedon the chassis. The processor includes a graphics processor. Themicrophone is arranged on at least one of the motherboard and thechassis.

A computer system comprises processing means for performing dataprocessing; fan means for cooling the processing means; and audiomonitoring means for analyzing audio signals that are based on noisegenerated by the fan means during operation.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is integrated with theprocessing means in an integrated circuit. Audio input meanscommunicates with the audio monitoring means and generates the audiosignals. Heat sink means thermally communicating heat from theprocessing means to the fan means. The audio monitoring meansselectively adjusts an operating parameter of the fan means based on theaudio signals. The audio monitoring means selectively diagnoses failuresof the fan means based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring meansselectively estimates an age of the fan means based on the audiosignals. The audio monitoring means selectively predicts future failureof the fan means based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring meansselectively estimates product quality of the fan means based on theaudio signals. The audio monitoring means selectively correlates theaudio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of thefan means. A motherboard is arranged on the chassis. The fan means isarranged on the chassis. The processing means includes graphicsprocessing means for processing graphics. The audio input means isarranged on at least one of the motherboard and the chassis.

A method for operating a computer system comprises providing a processorfor the computer system that performs data processing; cooling theprocessor using a fan; and analyzing audio signals that are based onnoise generated by the fan during operation.

In other features, the method includes integrating the audio monitoringmodule with the processor in an integrated circuit. The method includesusing a microphone that communicates with the audio monitoring module togenerate the audio signals. The method includes providing a heat sink totransfer heat from the processor to the fan. The method includesselectively adjusting an operating parameter of the fan based on theaudio signals. The method includes selectively diagnosing failures ofthe fan based on the audio signals. The method includes selectivelyestimating an age of the fan based on the audio signals. The methodincludes selectively predicting future component failure of the fanbased on the audio signals. The method includes selectively estimatingproduct quality of the fan based on the audio signals. The methodincludes selectively correlating the audio signals with a stored failureprofile to predict failure of the fan.

In other features, the method includes providing a chassis and amotherboard arranged on the chassis; and arranging the fan on thechassis. The processor includes a graphics processor. The methodincludes providing a chassis and a motherboard arranged on the chassis;and arranging the microphone on at least one of the motherboard and thechassis.

In still other features, the systems and methods described above areimplemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors.The computer program can reside on a computer readable medium such asbut not limited to memory, non-volatile data storage and/or othersuitable tangible storage mediums.

A device comprises an integrated circuit. A fan cools the integratedcircuit. An audio monitoring module analyzes audio signals that arebased on noise generated by the fan during operation.

In other features, the audio monitoring module is implemented by andintegrated with the integrated circuit. A microphone communicates withthe audio monitoring module and that generates the audio signals. A heatsink thermally communicates with the integrated circuit and the fan. Theaudio monitoring module selectively adjusts an operating parameter ofthe fan based on the audio signals. The audio monitoring moduleselectively diagnoses failures of the fan based on the audio signals.The audio monitoring module selectively estimates an age of the fanbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring module selectivelypredicts future failure of the fan based on the audio signals. The audiomonitoring module selectively estimates product quality of the fan basedon the audio signals. The audio monitoring module selectively correlatesthe audio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure ofthe fan.

In other features, the device includes a chassis. At least one of aprinted circuit board and a motherboard are arranged on the chassis. Thefan is arranged on the chassis and the integrated circuit is arranged onthe at least one of the printed circuit board and the motherboard. Theintegrated circuit includes one of a central processing unit, a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU) and an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC). The device includes a chassis. At least one of a printed circuitboard and a motherboard is arranged on the chassis. The microphone isarranged on at least one of the chassis and the at least one of theprinted circuit board and the motherboard.

In other features, the audio monitoring module selectively generates anindication signal based on the audio signals. The rotating storagedevice includes a first component and the audio monitoring moduleselectively adjusts a rotational speed of the first component when theaudio monitoring module detects resonance of the first component. Theaudio monitoring module adjusts the rotational speed by one of apredetermined value or a predetermined percentage of the rotation speed.

A device comprises an integrated circuit. Fan means cools the integratedcircuit. Audio monitoring means analyzes audio signals that are based onnoise generated by the fan means during operation.

In other features, the audio monitoring means is implemented by andintegrated with the integrated circuit. Audio input means communicateswith the audio monitoring means and generates the audio signals. Heatsink means thermally communicates heat from the integrated circuit tothe fan means. The audio monitoring means selectively adjusts anoperating parameter of the fan means based on the audio signals. Theaudio monitoring means selectively diagnoses failures of the fan meansbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring means selectivelyestimates an age of the fan means based on the audio signals. The audiomonitoring means selectively predicts future failure of the fan meansbased on the audio signals. The audio monitoring means selectivelyestimates product quality of the fan means based on the audio signals.The audio monitoring means selectively correlates the audio signals witha stored failure profile to predict failure of the fan means.

In other features, the device includes a chassis. At least one of aprinted circuit board and a motherboard is arranged on the chassis. Thefan means is arranged on the chassis and the integrated circuit isarranged on the at least one of the printed circuit board and themotherboard. The integrated circuit includes one of a central processingunit, a graphics processing unit and an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC).

In other features, the device includes a chassis and at least one of aprinted circuit board and a motherboard. The audio input means isarranged on at least one of the chassis and the at least one of theprinted circuit board and the motherboard.

A method for operating a device comprises providing an integratedcircuit; cooling the integrated circuit using a fan; and analyzing audiosignals that are based on noise generated by the fan during operation.

In other features, the method includes integrating the audio monitoringmodule with the integrated circuit. The method includes using amicrophone that communicates with the audio monitoring module togenerate the audio signals. The method includes providing a heat sink totransfer heat from the integrated circuit to the fan. The methodincludes selectively adjusting an operating parameter of the fan basedon the audio signals. The method includes selectively diagnosingfailures of the fan based on the audio signals. The method includesselectively estimating an age of the fan based on the audio signals. Themethod includes selectively predicting future component failure of thefan based on the audio signals. The method includes selectivelyestimating product quality of the fan based on the audio signals. Themethod includes selectively correlating the audio signals with a storedfailure profile to predict failure of the fan.

In other features, the method includes providing a chassis and at leastone of a printed circuit board and a motherboard arranged on the chassisand arranging the fan on the chassis. The integrated circuit includesone of a central processing unit, a graphics integrated circuit and anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The method includesproviding a chassis and at least one of a printed circuit board and amotherboard arranged on the chassis and arranging the microphone on atleast one of the chassis and the at least one of the printed circuitboard and the motherboard.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a HDD system according to theprior art;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a DVD system according to theprior art;

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary HDD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary DVD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary HDD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary DVD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary HDD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary DVD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplary HDD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplary DVD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a functional block diagram of a fifth exemplary HDD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a functional block diagram of a fifth exemplary DVD systemincluding an audio monitor module and microphone according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary audio monitormodule according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting an operatingparameter of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining productquality of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating aging of aHDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating futurefailures of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring; and

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a device including anintegrated circuit such as a central processing unit, a graphicprocessing unit or an application specific integrated circuit and a fan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposesof clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings toidentify similar elements. As used herein, the term module, circuitand/or device refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group)and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, acombinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components thatprovide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at leastone of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C),using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that stepswithin a method may be executed in different order without altering theprinciples of the present disclosure.

A microphone monitors noise generated by components of hard diskassemblies (HDDAs) and/or DVD assemblies (DVDAs). Due to the mechanicalnature of the HDDA and/or DVDA, the noise generated by the motor, servomovement, air turbulence, intermittent head crash, loose components,and/or various mechanical resonances can be identified using an audiomonitor module as will be described below. When a resonance mode of thecomponent is detected, the audio monitoring module may increase ordecrease the speed of the component by a predetermined amount orpercentage. The predetermined amount may include fixed values, fixedpercentages of a current speed, variable values or percentages,progressive values and/or other suitable values.

For example, the audio monitor module can use sub-band analysis.Operation of HDD and DVD systems can be improved by monitoring signallevels, frequencies and noise patterns as well as the changes ofmonitored parameters as a function of time. These systems mayautomatically adjust HDD or DVD operating parameters to lower acousticnoise. By doing so, user annoyance may be decreased. Adjusting operationof the HDDA or DVDA away from resonance modes of the mechanicalcomponents can be optimized during use for different HDD or DVD systems.In addition, real time monitoring of motor and/or servo noise may beused to predict future failure events. Analysis of historical data maybe performed to estimate and monitor aging of the HDD or DVD systems.

The audio monitor module may also be used as a relatively low costmethod for differentiating product quality. For example, this approachcan be used to separate high quality or low quality drives from othermedium-quality drives. Lower noise devices tend to be more reliable thanthe higher noise ones, particularly for HDD or DVD systems having thesame or similar designs. In addition, real time monitoring of mechanicalcomponents can be used to improve future quality levels. While DVDsystems are discussed herein, the present disclosure applied to compactdiscs (CDs) as well.

The microphone may be embedded on the HDDA or DVDA and/or embedded on aprinted circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the HDD or DVD systems. Ifembedded in the HDDA or DVDA, the microphone can share a flex connectorto reduce cost. In addition, an audio analog to digital converter (ADC)can be embedded on a system on chip (SOC), motor controller and/or powermanagement module to reduce system cost. The processor of the SOC can beshared with the audio monitoring module to perform the audio signalanalysis, which reduces cost.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the audio analysis module and themicrophone can be located on the PCB of the associated device. In FIG.3A, a first exemplary HDD system 200 includes a microphone 204 and anaudio monitor module 208. The microphone 204 receives audio signalsduring operation of the HDD system. The audio monitor module 208converts the signals to digital signals and performs audio analysis onthe signals as described above and/or below. The analysis may includemonitoring various signal levels, frequencies and patterns of noiseoccurrences as well as the changes of monitored parameters as a functionof time. The patterns may include resonances at particular frequenciesor other criteria. Based on the analysis, the audio monitor module 208selectively changes an operating parameter of the HDD system and/orperforms other actions.

The microphone 204 and audio monitor module 208 may be associated withthe HD PCB 14. As used herein, the term drive module may be used torefer to components of the HDD that help to control, store data, processdata and/or otherwise operate the HDD such as but not limited to the HDCcontrol module 26, the processor 22, the spindle/VCM driver module 30,the read/write channel module 34, etc. The microphone 204 and/or theaudio monitor module 208 may be associated and/or integrated with one ormore additional components such as the HDC control module 26, theprocessor 22, the spindle/VCM driver module 30, and/or the read/writechannel module 34 in a system on chip (SOC) 210. Alternately, theprocessor 22 may be embedded in or integrated with the HDC controlmodule 26 as indicated by dotted lines 211.

In FIG. 3B, a first exemplary DVD system 230 includes an audio monitormodule 232 and a microphone 234 that are associated with the DVD PCB114. The microphone 234 receives audio signals during operation of theDVD system. The audio monitor module 232 converts the signals to digitalsignals and performs analysis on the signals as described above and/orbelow. Based on the analysis, the audio monitor module 232 selectivelychanges an operating parameter of the DVD system and/or performs otheractions.

The microphone 234 and audio monitor module 232 may be associated withthe DVD PCB 114. As used herein, the term drive module may also be usedto refer to components of the DVD that help to control, stored data,process data and/or otherwise operate the DVD such as but not limited tothe control module 126, the processor 122, the spindle/FM driver module130, the read/write channel module 134, etc. The microphone 234 and/orthe audio monitor module 232 may be associated with and/or integratedwith one or more additional devices such as the control module 126, theprocessor 122, the spindle/FM driver module 130, and/or the read/writechannel module 134 in a system on chip (SOC) 236. Alternately, theprocessor 122 may be embedded in or integrated with the control module126 as indicated by dotted lines 237.

There are many different locations and/or possible implementations forthe microphone and/or audio monitor module. Referring now to FIGS. 4Aand 4B, second exemplary HDD and DVD systems including audio monitormodules and microphones are shown. In FIG. 4A, a HDD system 250 includesmicrophone 254 that is associated with the HDDA 50. A connection 256from the microphone 254 to an audio monitor module 258 can be routed bya flex connector 260 to reduce cost. The flex connector 260 may alsoinclude conductors for other devices such as the preamplifier 60 andservo 58. In FIG. 4B, a DVD system 270 includes a microphone 274 that isassociated with the DVDA 150. A connection 276 from the microphone 274to an audio monitor module 278 can also be provided by a flex connector280 to reduce cost.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, third exemplary HDD and DVD systemsincluding audio monitor modules and microphones are shown. In FIG. 5A, aHDD system 300 includes an audio monitor module 302 and a microphone304. The microphone 304 may be associated with the HDDA 50 as shownand/or with the HD PCB 14. The audio monitor module 302 may beintegrated with the processor in an SOC. Processing for the audiomonitor module 302 may be performed by the processor 22, which reducescost.

In FIG. 5B, a DVD system 320 includes an audio monitor module 322 and amicrophone 324. The microphone 324 may be associated with the DVDA 150as shown and/or with the DVD PCB 114. Processing for the audio monitormodule 322 may be performed by the processor 122, which reduces cost.Both the audio monitor modules 302 and 322 the processors 22 and 122 maybe integrated on a SOC, respectively. Other components may also beintegrated on the SOC as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, fourth exemplary HDD and DVD systemsincluding an audio monitor module and microphone are shown. In FIG. 6A,a HDD system 340 includes an audio monitor module 342 and a microphone344. The audio monitor module 342 is integrated with the spindle/VCMdriver module 30. The microphone 344 may be located on the HDDA 50and/or the HD PCB 14. In FIG. 6B, a DVD system 360 includes an audiomonitor module 362 and a microphone 364. The audio monitor module 362 isintegrated with the spindle/FM driver module 130. The microphone 364 maybe located on the DVDA 150 and/or the DVD PCB 114.

As can be appreciated, the audio monitor modules may be integrated withother components of the HDD systems such as but not limited to the HDCcontrol module 26 and/or read/write channel module 34. Likewise, theaudio monitor modules may be integrated with other components of the DVDsystems such as but not limited to the DSPs 140, 144 and 142, the DVDcontrol module 126 and/or the read/write module 134. Furthermore,various components can be integrated by SOC.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, fifth exemplary HDD and DVD systemsincluding audio monitor modules and microphones are shown. In FIG. 7A,HDD system 380 includes a power management module 382 that manages powerof the HDD system 380. The HDD system 380 further includes an audiomonitor module 384 and a microphone 386. The audio monitor module 384 isimplemented by the power management module 382. The microphone 386 maybe located on the HDDA 50 and/or the HD PCB 14.

In FIG. 7B, a DVD system 400 includes a power management module 402 thatmanages power of the DVD system 400. The DVD system 402 further includesan audio monitor module 404 and a microphone 406. The audio monitormodule 404 is implemented by the power management module 400, whichmanages power for the DVD. The microphone 406 may be located on the DVDA150 and/or the DVD PCB 114.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exemplary audio monitor module 420 accordingto the present disclosure is shown. The audio monitor module 420receives an output of a microphone 422. The audio monitor module 420includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 424 that converts theanalog output of the microphone to a digital audio signal. An analysismodule 428 receives the digital audio output of the analog-to-digitalconverter 424. The analysis module 428 selectively transmits data to andreceives data from memory 434. The memory may be local to the analysismodule and/or shared memory such as volatile memory and NV memory. Aparameter adjustment module 430 selectively adjusts operating parametersof the HDD or DVD device based on the analysis.

The analysis module 428 may include a sub-band analysis module 442 thatmonitors signal levels, frequencies and patterns of noise occurrences,changes of monitored parameters as a function of time, and/or otherfunctions of the monitored parameters. The patterns may includeresonances at a particular frequency or other criteria.

A failure predicting module 444 selectively predicts failures based oncurrent and/or historical noise information and/or functions thereof.For example, the failure predicting module may extrapolate based oncurrent and/or historical data and estimate an expected failure date. Aquality analysis module 448 may estimate the quality of the HDD or DVDdevice based upon measured current and/or historical noise informationand/or function thereof. An age estimating module 452 estimates age ofthe device based upon current and/or historical noise information,changes in current or historical information and/or other functions ofcurrent and/or historical noise information. The age may be relative toan expected obsolescence or service life. For example, the ageestimating module 452 may monitor changes in noise levels as a functionof time. The noise levels may be compared to a function, data, curve orother stored information to estimate the age of the device or component.

A correlation module 453 may be used to compare current noiseinformation to stored noise information to identify particular failures.The memory module 434 may store noise profiles relating to possiblefailure modes. The correlation module 453 may correlate current and/orhistorical noise profiles with stored profiles. When the correlationexceeds a predetermined correlation value, the correlation module mayoutput a fault message, initiate diagnostics and/or take other action.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart illustrates steps of an exemplarymethod for adjusting an operating parameter of a HDD or DVD based onsensed noise information. Control begins in step 500. In step 502,control determines whether the device is operating. In step 504, controlconverts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step 506, controlanalyzes digital audio signals. In step 508, control determines whethera problem has been detected. In other words, control determines wherethe noise information indicates a problem. For example, the monitorednoise parameter exceeds a threshold. If true, control adjusts anoperating parameter of the HDD or DVD device in step 509. For example,rotational speed, scanning speed, voltage level, current level or anyother parameter may be adjusted. If step 508 is false, control continueswith step 510 and determines whether there is a potential future failurebased on current and/or historical noise information and/or functionsthereof. If step 510 is true, control sends a message to a host deviceand/or adjusts an operating parameter of the HDD or DVD device in step514.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flowchart illustrates steps of a method fordetermining device quality of HDD or DVD systems based on sensed noiseinformation. Control begins with step 530. In step 532, controldetermines whether the device is operating. If true, control convertsaudio signals to digital audio signals in step 534.

In step 538, control analyzes digital audio signals. In step 540,control compares current and/or historical noise information and/or afunction thereof to a first threshold. If the noise level is less than afirst threshold, control sets quality to a first quality value in step542. If step 540 is false, control determines whether the current and/orhistorical noise information is greater than a first threshold but lessthan a second threshold in step 550. If true, control sets quality to asecond quality value in step 554. Otherwise control sends quality to athird quality value in step 560. While three quality values or levelsare described, additional or fewer quality values may be used. Thequality values or levels may be used for variable pricing and/or othermarketing decisions.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flowchart illustrates steps of a method forestimating aging of HDD or DVD systems based on current and/orhistorical noise levels. Control begins in step 580. In step 584,control determines whether the device is operating. In step 586, controlconverts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step 590, controlanalyzes the digital audio signals. In step 594, control comparescurrent and/or historical noise levels to predetermined thresholds,functions or other predetermined criteria. In step 596, controlestimates an age of the HDD or DVD system and/or one or more componentsthereof based upon the comparison.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a flowchart illustrates steps of a method forestimating future failures of HDD or DVD systems based on current and/orhistorical noise levels. Control begins in step 600. In step 604,control determines whether the device is operating. In step 606, controlconverts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step 610, controlanalyzes the digital audio signals. In step 614, control extrapolatesfuture performance based on current and/or historical noise levels andcompares the extrapolations to predetermined thresholds, functions orother predetermined criteria. In step 616, control estimates futurefailure of the HDD or DVD system and/or one or more components thereofbased upon the comparison. For example, control may provide an estimatedfailure date or number of estimated operating hours until failure.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a device 700 is shown to include a printedcircuit board (PCB) (not shown) or a motherboard 704. For example only,the device 700 may be a computer system, a network switch, a router, aserver, or other type of electronic device that includes an integratedcircuit, that is arranged on a chassis and/or in an enclosure, and thatuses a fan for cooling. One or more integrated circuits 708 may bearranged on the motherboard 704.

For example only, the integrated circuit 708 may include a centralprocessing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or other type of integratedcircuit. A heatsink 712 communicates thermally with the integratedcircuit 708 and absorbs heat therefrom. A fan 716 circulates air overthe heatsink 712 to dissipate heat.

One or more other types of integrated circuits such as a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU) 718 may be arranged on the motherboard 704. Aheatsink 722 communicates thermally with the GPU 718 and transfers heattherefrom. A fan 726 circulates air over the heatsink 722 to dissipateheat. The motherboard 704 may be arranged on a chassis and/or in anenclosure 730. One or more additional fans 734 may provide additionalcooling inside of the enclosure. Other components 744 such as memorymodules and/or other modules or devices (not shown) may be arranged onthe motherboard 704.

In operation, the integrated circuit 708 may include an audio monitoringmodule 750 that monitors audio signals generated by the fans 716, 726and/or 734. A microphone 754 may be arranged inside of the enclosure730. Alternately, a microphone 756 may be arranged outside of theenclosure 730. Alternately, a speaker 758 may be used as a microphone.Sound waves impacting the speaker 756 may be sensed and used foranalysis.

The integrated circuit 708 and/or the GPU 718 may include the audiomonitoring (AM) module 750 that performs audio analysis on the audiosignals as described above. Alternately, the AM module 750 may be astand alone device or integrated with any other component or integratedcircuit. The AM module 750 may perform sub-band analysis. Operation ofthe fans can be improved by monitoring signal levels, frequencies andnoise patterns as well as the changes of monitored parameters as afunction of time.

Fan operating parameters may be automatically adjusted to lower acousticnoise. By doing so, user annoyance may be decreased. Operation of thefan away from resonance modes can be performed. In addition, real timemonitoring of fan noise may be used to predict future failure events.Analysis of historical data may be performed to estimate and monitoraging of the fan.

The audio monitoring may also be used as a relatively low cost methodfor differentiating product quality. For example, this approach can beused to separate high quality or low quality fans from othermedium-quality fans. Lower noise devices tend to be more reliable thanthe higher noise ones, particularly for fans having the same or similardesigns. In addition, real time monitoring of mechanical components canbe used to improve future quality levels.

While HDD and DVD systems are disclosed, the present disclosure appliesto other rotating storage devices, magnetic storage devices and/oroptical storage devices.

In addition to or instead of altering an operating parameter of thecomponent as described above, the audio monitoring module may generatesignals to provide an indication as to how the component is operating.For example only, when the component is making more noise that istypically acceptable, the audio monitoring module may generate anindication signal to a host device. For example only, when the fan ismaking too much noise, the CPU may send an error message to theoperating system (OS) to notify the OS and/or the user.

The audio monitoring module may provide a list of actions that can betaken by the user. For example, the audio monitoring module may allowthe user to select from a plurality of different options. Some of theoptions may include operating in restricted modes such as low powermodes, limited processing modes, etc. For implementations with fans, theuser may select a safe shutdown mode when the temperature of the devicereaches a predetermined temperature value.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosureincludes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure shouldnot be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to theskilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification andthe following claims.

1. An integrated circuit (IC) for controlling a rotating data storage device, comprising: a drive module that is implemented by said integrated circuit and that at least one of processes data, stores data and controls operation of said rotating storage device; and an audio monitoring module that is implemented by said integrated circuit, that communicates with said drive module and that analyzes audio signals that are based on noise generated by the rotating storage device during operation.
 2. The IC of claim 1 wherein said drive module comprises one of a magnetic storage control module and an optical storage control module.
 3. The IC of claim 1 wherein said drive module comprises a read/write channel module.
 4. The IC of claim 1 wherein said drive module comprises a processor.
 5. The IC of claim 1 wherein said drive module comprises one of a spindle/voice coil motor drive module and a spindle/feed motor module.
 6. A data storage device comprising the IC of claim 1 and further comprising said rotating storage device.
 7. The data storage device of claim 6 further comprising a microphone that generates said audio signals.
 8. The data storage device of claim 6 wherein said rotating storage device includes a first component, wherein said audio monitoring module selective adjusts an operating parameter of said first component based on said audio signals.
 9. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said first component one of rotates said rotating storage medium and reads data from said rotating storage medium.
 10. The data storage device of claim 6 wherein said rotating storage device includes one of a magnetic storage device and an optical storage device.
 11. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively diagnoses failures of said first component based on said audio signals.
 12. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively estimates an age of said first component based on said audio signals.
 13. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively predicts future component failure of said first component based on said audio signals.
 14. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively estimates product quality of said data storage device based on said audio signals.
 15. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively correlates said audio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of said first component.
 16. The data storage device of claim 6 further comprising an analog to digital converter that converts said audio signals to digital audio signals.
 17. The data storage device of claim 7 wherein said rotating data storage device comprises a hard disk drive that includes: a hard disk drive assembly (HDDA); and a hard disk drive printed circuit board (HD PCB), wherein said microphone is arranged on one of said HDDA and said HD PCB.
 18. The data storage device of claim 17 wherein said hard disk drive includes: a hard disk drive control module; a processor; a spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver module; and a read/write channel module.
 19. The data storage device of claim 18 wherein said audio monitoring module is integrated with at least one of said hard disk drive control module, said processor, said spindle/VCM driver module, and said read/write channel module in a system on chip.
 20. The data storage device of claim 7 wherein said rotating data storage device comprises a digital versatile disc (DVD) that includes: a digital versatile disk assembly (DVDA); and a digital versatile disk printed circuit board (DVD PCB), wherein said microphone is arranged on one of said DVDA and said DVD PCB.
 21. The data storage device of claim 20 wherein said digital versatile disk includes: a digital versatile disk control module; a processor; a spindle/feed motor (FM) driver module; and a read/write channel module.
 22. The data storage device of claim 21 wherein said audio monitoring module is integrated with at least one of said digital versatile disk control module, said processor, said spindle/FM driver module, and said read/write channel module in a system on chip.
 23. The data storage device of claim 1 wherein said audio monitoring module performs sub-band analysis on said audio signals.
 24. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said first component includes at least one of a spindle motor and a voice coil motor (VCM).
 25. The data storage device of claim 8 wherein said first component includes at least one of a spindle motor and a feed motor.
 26. The data storage device of claim 17 further comprising a flex connector that connects components of said HDDA and said HD PCB, wherein said microphone is arranged on said HDDA and wherein a conductor that communicates with said audio monitoring module and said microphone is associated with said flex connector.
 27. The data storage device of claim 20 further comprising a flex connector that connects components of said DVDA and said DVD PCB, wherein said microphone is arranged on said DVDA and wherein a conductor that communicates with said audio monitoring module and said microphone is associated with said flex connector.
 28. The data storage device of claim 10 wherein said hard disk drive includes a power management interface module and wherein said audio monitoring module is integrated with said power management interface module in a system on chip.
 29. The data storage device of claim 10 wherein said digital versatile disc includes a power management interface module and wherein said audio monitoring module is integrated with said power management interface module in a system on chip.
 30. The data storage device of claim 1 wherein said drive module is integrated with said audio monitoring module in an integrated circuit.
 31. A method for controlling a rotating data storage device, comprising: implementing a drive module of the rotating storage device using an integrated circuit; at least one of processing data, storing data and controlling operation of said rotating storage device using said drive module; and using an audio monitoring module that is implemented by said integrated circuit and that communicates with said drive module to analyze audio signals that are based on noise generated by the rotating storage device during operation.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said drive module comprises one of a magnetic storage control module and an optical storage control module.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein said drive module comprises a read/write channel module.
 34. The method of claim 31 wherein said drive module comprises a processor.
 35. The method of claim 31 wherein said drive module comprises one of a spindle/voice coil motor drive module and a spindle/feed motor module.
 36. The method of claim 31 further comprising using a microphone to generate said audio signals.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein said rotating storage device includes a first component and further comprising selective adjusting an operating parameter of said first component based on said audio signals.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein said first component one of rotates a rotating storage medium and reads data from said rotating storage medium.
 39. The method of claim 36 wherein said rotating storage device includes one of a magnetic storage device and an optical storage device.
 40. The method of claim 37 further comprising selectively diagnosing failures of said first component based on said audio signals.
 41. The method of claim 37 further comprising selectively estimating an age of said first component based on said audio signals.
 42. The method of claim 37 further comprising selectively predicting future component failure of said first component based on said audio signals.
 43. The method of claim 37 further comprising selectively estimating product quality of said rotating storage device based on said audio signals.
 44. The method of claim 37 further comprising selectively correlating said audio signals with a stored failure profile to predict failure of said first component.
 45. The method of claim 31 further comprising performing sub-band analysis on said audio signals.
 46. The IC of claim 1 wherein said audio monitoring module selectively generates an indication signal based on said audio signals.
 47. The method of claim 31 further comprising selectively generating an indication signal based on said audio signals.
 48. The IC of claim 1 wherein said rotating storage device includes a first component and wherein said audio monitoring module selectively adjusts a rotational speed of said first component when said audio monitoring module detects resonance of said first component.
 49. The IC of claim 48 wherein said audio monitoring module adjusts said rotational speed by one of a predetermined value or a predetermined percentage of said rotation speed.
 50. The method of claim 31 wherein said rotating storage device includes a first component, and further comprising: detecting resonance of said first component; and selectively adjusting a rotational speed of said first component when said audio monitoring module detects said resonance.
 51. The method of claim 50 further comprising adjusting said rotational speed by one of a predetermined value or a predetermined percentage of said rotation speed. 